Imola, Italy travel guide 🇮🇹

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The FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) heads to the famous Imola circuit this weekend in Italy. Imola is a small town situated close to the city of Bologna; the town may not have a plethora of tourist attractions but it is synonymous with motor racing and just a short drive from plenty of areas of interest.

Imola

This small town has an energetic atmosphere over race weekend. Soak up the excitement of the superbike racing with a Piadina in hand (a sandwich made with Italian flatbread), a tasty and easy food to eat on the go as you scout out the best corner to watch the action unfold. The signature Piadina is filled with Parma ham, creamy cheese and rocket.

Away from the circuit you can wander around the rustic streets or take a short drive to Ravenna to admire the beautiful churches, monuments and mosaics. Or if you fancy somewhere that runs at a slightly faster pace, head to Riviera Romagnola to enjoy its beaches and late-night parties.

Bologna

Bologna is just a short drive from Imola (30 – 40 minutes) and provides plenty to do for all types of travellers. From opera and museum goers to those looking for nightlife and a vibrant culture inspired by the local university students.

Head to Piazza Maggiore to admire some of Bologna’s finest architecture. The square sits in the centre of the city and its buildings are adorned with the typical red terracotta tiles that blanket the tops of many of Bologna’s traditional buildings.

Take a walk around the city’s ancient streets to admire the medieval Towers of Bologna. These power symbols used to belong to the richest families of the city and are a distinctive feature of the skyline. You can even climb the 97-meter-high Torre degli Asinelli, but you might need to refuel with a healthy serving of Ragu Bolognese afterwards in a local “Osteria“.

Florence

A couple of hours south west of Imola is the city of Florence which has almost as many attractions as Italy’s capital.

Start with the Uffizi museum, the building was designed by Giorgio Vasari and is famous worldwide for its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings (from the Middle Ages to the Modern period).

Florence also has many beautifully designed churches that are well worth a visit for anyone with an eye for architecture. Take Santa Croce for example which is the burial place for the great and good of Florence (including Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei).

Another masterpiece is the Ponte Vecchio, which is a stone bridge stretching across the Arno River. This structure is especially significant as it is the oldest bridge in Florence and is still home to a number of local shops that are actually situated on the bridge.

The Florence is an excellent destination to feast on gourmet Tuscan cuisine, so once you’ve crossed the Arno River go in search of a local restaurant and dine on a classic Fiorentina steak accompanied by a fine glass of Chianti.

Currency

The local currency in Italy is the euro. Cards are widely accepted across the country, so are an excellent way of carrying your travel money securely.

Tipping is common, but not obligatory. Most restaurants will already include ‘servizo’ (service charge) or ‘coperto’ (cover charge) – sometimes both – on your bill.

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